November usually brings the cold and flu season, which can stay until May and peak around this time in December all the way until February. In respect to how many are affected and to what degree, some years have been worse than others.
What’s the Difference between Cold and Flu?
The flu and the common cold have very similar symptoms, so it can be hard to distinguish which is which. Though the flu typically brings harsher symptoms than the cold, and those who come down with it may get a fever, fatigue, body aches and/or a dry cough. Symptoms of the common cold are typically congestion, sneezing, and a runny nose. Both illnesses occur a lot, are contagious, last a short while and are self-treatable. It also doesn’t hurt to visit our Jonesboro Chiropractors for treatment advice.
High-Risk Flu Patients
Those with a weakened immune system like young children, those with a chronic disease, pregnant women and the elderly are considered very susceptible to influenza and complications. It is recommended they visit our Jonesboro Chiropractors should they come down with flu-like symptoms.
Understanding Viral vs. Bacterial Infections
Bacteria are actually not very harmful in most cases and can even be helpful sometimes, but most viruses cause illness and disease by taking over your normal cells and using them to multiply. Two of these common viruses are the cold and the flu, of which cannot be treated with antibiotics.
Some of the common bacterial infections are urinary tract infections and strep throat, with both and others able to be treated with the use of antibiotics. Though, as more antibiotics are being used, more strains of bacteria are developing resistance to drugs. This shows that use of such should be limited.
Jonesboro Chiropractic Treatment
Many people go straight for the over-the-counter drugs to cope with cold and flu symptoms, yet such medications bring some side effects that might not relieve symptoms.
Lymphatic, Central Nervous Systems, and Chiropractic
Made up of a network of organs, lymph nodes, lymph ducts and lymph vessels that circulate lymph (fluid made of white blood cells and chyle), the lymphatic system is one of the most important systems in the body. It plays a major role in the immune system, as lymph nodes produce the immune cells that help fight infection.
The musculoskeletal system transports lymph throughout the body through movements and contractions of muscles. Per a study by Nature in 2015, the central nervous system is connected to the lymphatic system.
With the musculoskeletal system, central nervous system and lymphatic system all connected, a chiropractic adjustment for our Jonesboro Chiropractors can stimulate and improve the function of the immune system. We remove subluxations in the spine, which come from vertebrae moving out of proper alignment. That can disrupt communication within the central nervous system, prompting a high susceptibility to illness.
Make an appointment with our Jonesboro Chiropractors should you experience any cold of flu-like symptoms. Call us at (404) 602-0387.